Thomas Leroy Hotopp

Hotopp, Thomas L., age 92, long-time resident in the Dayton area, died peacefully in Indianapolis on May 21, 2025. Tom was born in Indianapolis on January 4, 1933 to Anthony and Mina (Carrell) Hotopp. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1951 as an honor student, class officer, and star athlete. He then went to Miami University to study business and economics. After that, he served in the Army, earning Top Secret clearance and a job in security at Arlington Hall Station in Virginia.

Tom married the love of his life, Alice, who he claims to have known was his special one even before kindergarten. They settled in the Dayton area where Tom worked a variety of jobs, often showing his entrepreneurial bent. One of his own businesses, Rocket Specialty Co., sold advertising specialties. Another called Tom Allison Co. sold business stationery. Yet another, Topp's Transmissions, was an auto repair shop. He was also a well-trusted salesman dealing in equities and real estate. Many of his past associates can count him as a mentor and friend.

Tom was always community-minded. He served as president of the West Carrollton Rotary Club, was on the Board of Directors at the local YMCA, read to the blind, and was a rare person who could claim to have donated more than 20 gallons of blood.

His pleasures included travel (Europe, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, ...), reading, singing barbershop quartet music, and classic cars (particularly his 1968 Mustang convertible). Without a doubt, his greatest pleasure was being around friends and family, sharing memories and stories.

Tom is preceded in death by his loving wife Alice and brother Robert (Mary) Hotopp. Left to cherish his memory are children Steven (Susan) Hotopp, Tonia (Steven) Miller, and Daniel Hotopp; grandchildren Julia (Tomas) Batalla, William (Yhareli) Miller, and Rachel (Kyle) McDonald; great-grandchildren James Batalla, Felix Batalla, and Ransom McDonald; and brother James (Marcia) Hotopp.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd., Kettering, OH 45429. Family and friends may visit from 12 noon until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.